The RMH stroke care program has received national certification from The Joint Commission, indicating that the program meets rigorous standards of care for those experiencing stroke.

The Joint Commission granted RMH Advanced Primary Stroke Center certification following an extensive on-site evaluation March 14. The Joint Commission surveyors examined every facet of RMH’s stroke program to ensure it provides effective, timely care for stroke victims while significantly improving outcomes.

“Earning this certification from the Joint Commission underscores RMH’s commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients when every second counts,” said RMH President Jim Krauss. “Almost 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year —that’s about one stroke every 40 seconds. Stroke victims will get the quick and effective treatment they require at RMH.”

The Joint Commission notes the following hallmarks of Advanced Primary Stroke Centers:

• They are patient-centered.
• They measure ongoing improvement in health status.
• They encourage communication among providers. 
• They use nationally recognized guidelines.
• They evaluate their care delivery.

“This certification is a testament to the remarkable multi-year effort of an outstanding multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. Daniel Chehebar, stroke medical director. “The team of physicians, EMS providers, nurses, other clinicians and administrators worked tirelessly to ensure we have a seamless, standardized and evidence-based approach to stroke care.”

He added that one element of the stroke center certification is community education about recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking medical help quickly.

“Together with the local rescue squads, we can help ensure better outcomes for stroke victims when people acknowledge their symptoms and call 9-1-1 right away,” he said.

The Joint Commission surveyors recognized RMH’s patient discharge phone call process, its culture of safety, and its collaboration with local EMS providers as best practices in stroke care.

“The greatest reward is knowing you have made a difference for someone who has experienced a stroke to ensure they will have the best possible outcome,” said Janet Marshman, clinical effectiveness specialist, Stroke Program.

The Joint Commission, founded in 1951, is an independent national hospital accrediting organization. The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.